Student Counseling FAQs

1. NWTC has always had counselors, right? How is it different than seeing my advisor?

In 2011 there was a significant change in the program. A new team of counselors were hired to provide personal mental health counseling to students at NWTC. The counselors are licensed by the State of Wisconsin as Professional Counselors and have many years of experience providing counseling to the community. Prior to 2011, students in need of professional counseling were referred to therapists in the community. Many NWTC students were not able to access services due to out-of-pocket costs. Now, students can receive professional counseling on campus without having to be referred. Counseling is free to students. Counseling is confidential and personal health information will not be released without a student's consent.

2. What type of counseling is provided?

The therapists at NWTC have provided counseling in the community for more than 20 years. That means that they have experience treating a wide-range of mental health issues. Some common referral issues include: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, low motivation, ADHD, family conflict, relationship difficulties, parenting, eating disorders, career planning, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coping with recent job loss. Odds are if you are experiencing difficulty, the counselors atNWTC can provide assistance.

3. Will my instructors know that I've seen a counselor?

No. All communication between you and your counselor is protected and confidential. Counselors practice at NWTC within professional ethics and laws that protect your privacy. There are a few exceptions: a) counselors can be court-ordered to release information, b) if there is imminent danger to a client or someone else, counselors are mandated to intervene, and c) if there is a suspicion of child or elder abuse, counselors are mandated to make a report to the appropriate authority. Otherwise, any information disclosed from Student Counseling at NWTC will be released only with the student's written consent. For more information about your rights under The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, please click here.

4. What is a "Starfish Counseling Referral" and why have I been contacted by an NWTCcounselor?

NWTC is committed to providing you with all reasonable resources to help you attain your academic goals. To that end, the "Starfish Counseling Referral" system has been created. Through this system, instructors or staff at NWTC can submit a referral when they are concerned about your academic success or emotional health. Some common referral reasons include: missing a few classes, doing poorly on an exam, being in danger of failing the course, inappropriate behavior in the classroom, or concern that a mental health issue may be impairing student success. When the referral is received, a counselor will attempt to make contact with the student to determine if there are any resources that could remove barriers to success.

5. Where are the counselors located?

Counselors are located on the Green Bay campus in SC231. Services are also provided on other NWTC campuses on an as needed basis.

6. How do I make an appointment?

Students interested in making an appointment should call 920-498-5444 and schedule a time that works for them. Both day and evening appointments are available. You can also schedule an appointment by stopping in our offices in SC231. Your counselor will meet with you and conduct an intake interview. During your first session, your counselor will ask a lot of questions about your situation and your history. After the first session, you will usually return for weekly appointments until the issue is resolved.

7. Do I get to choose the counselor I want to work with?

8. How long does counseling typically last?

Each session is approximately 45-50 minutes. Counseling will be provided to students as long as the student is enrolled in classes atNWTC and benefiting from counseling.

9. Can counseling help me choose a program or career?

Deciding upon a program at NWTC and a career is a personal decision that takes time. NWTC counselors will ask that you meet with a Career Services staff person and complete an interest inventory. This will help you identify your values related to work. To complete a Career Interest Inventory, please call 920-498-5444 and ask to speak with Career Services. If after working with Career Services, you feel that counseling might help you clarify your goals, please feel free to schedule an appointment.